1 Big Hidden Benefit of General Motors' In-Car Wi-Fi

Last week, we told you about the General Motors and AT&T alliance to bring 4G LTE connectivity into many GM models, starting with the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. This means your car can now act as a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot, offering you high-speed Internet connectivity wherever you go.

Offered through General Motors' OnStar brand, the AT&T data plan can be had for as little $5 per month for 200 MB. Normal data hogs can consume up to 5 GB for $50 per month. Non-AT&T customers can get short-term connectivity starting at $5 per day. This can make a lot of sense for families on a budget, or even for rental-car connectivity.

The entertainment value is apparent: Rolling Wi-Fi will enable Internet use for laptops or tablets with no data plan. The superior Wi-Fi antennas on the OnStar system mean better connectivity for any device.

The less apparent benefit, however, is that of safety. For instance, this system combines the diagnostics built into the car with a Wi-Fi connection, meaning it can find and communicate with nearby shops and dealers.

GM was showing off the technology at this year's International CES in Las Vegas. Our roving reporter Rex Moore was there, and he brought his camera inside the car for a demonstration of these safety benefits.

We're still in the early days for this huge trendGM and AT&T's efforts are just the beginning of one of the biggest trends we'll see in our lifetime: the Internet of Things. Or, in this case, the Internet of Cars. David Gardner -- whose Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendations have beaten the S&P 500 by a large margin -- has already picked one possible winner in this trend, and is looking at many others. Right now, you can try the service free for 30 days, giving you full access to every stock pick -- including two brand new recommendations just released on Friday. Click here for more information.